WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) -- The holiday season is already here, those holiday sales have started and so have the holiday scams.

The National Retail Federation estimates nearly $980 billion in sales this holiday season.

The Better Business Bureau is putting out a buyer beware message before you hand over your credit card to potential scammers - especially if you buy your gifts online.

More than 25,000 complaints have been filed with the BBB so far this year, a nearly 10% increase from last year.

"These complaints are usually about orders not being received, products not being as they were advertised on the websites or refund or exchange issues," said Marc Simmons with the BBB South Florida.

Consumers love the convenience of making online purchases and having them delivered right to their doorstep.

With millions of packages delivered each year, con artists have developed new ways of stealing.

"This package delivery scam that's been going on it's probably been like a year solid now that we've been seeing that one," said Simmons.

The scam normally comes in a text form that says a postal service couldn't deliver a package and it's being held at a warehouse and they need to confirm your address to deliver it, with a link to fill out a form.

Simmons says this is yet another ploy to get your personal information in the hands of criminals.

Instead, if you're expecting a package in the mail, verify the delivery with the online retailer.

Employment scams are also on the rise as people look for new ways to make a little cash during the holiday season.

Scammers will pose as a reputable company and conduct an online interview.

"Then they'll send a check for the purchase of equipment and then ask the victim to send back some of the money remaining money. Of course, what happens is the check turns out to be fake, there is no job and they have banking information, dob and a social security number.," said Simmons.

With the holidays, many people like to give back to the community.

Marty Jacobson with the organization "Seniors Vs Crimes" suggests verifying the charity before you donate.

"Be careful about donating with requests with gift cards or obscure methods of payment like bit coin, because your donation may not go where you think it's going to go," said Jacobson.

If you run into issues with a business, you can always call the BBB to report it here.